Planting Energy (Introduction)
What is a coffee bean? A coffee bean is a seed from the Coffea plant with coffee being produced from the seed inside the fruit produced by this plant, known as the coffee cherry. As Terri Guillemets once said, “ Coffee is the best thing to douse the sunrise with.”
Coffee is a drink that energizes and rejuvenates a person to keep them going throughout the day. It contains caffeine which is known to be addicting but harmless. Phrases such as “I need a pick me up” or “I am so flustered, I need a coffee.” All stem from the drink sweeping the world on its feet and pushing them into the world.
Coffee has also been the love language of Indian households anytime a guest arrives, coffee strikes up a conversation, Coffee unites people, and Coffee gives people their greatest ideas. Let’s take a quick glance into what this magical drink is. More importantly, let’s look into how one of the most mesmerizing places in the world produces some of the best coffee in the world.
What is Coorg Coffee?
Coorg has always been known for its amazing climate and aromatic coffee but have you ever wondered what the origins of these magical beans were? The Coffee in Coorg has been deemed a gift from nature to the world.
But Coorg coffee is not grown in a conventional way. The sensational smell is so distinct as the coffee is known for not being too acidic and having a tropical full-bodied taste. This was achieved by growing it under specific conditions to ensure the taste and smell of the coffee fruit;
- It is grown in the shade
- The coffee is only grown in the shades of huge Rosewood Trees, Wild Fig Trees, and Jack Fruit Trees.
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The traditional drying method is to sun dry the coffee beans making it very favorable for a great aroma.
Where it all started…
The history of coffee in India started nearly 400 years ago in the 17th century. A traveler who went by the name Baba Budan brought back seven of these magical beans after going on a pilgrimage to Yemen which is situated along the Arabian Coast of the Red Sea.
These magical beans were planted in the Chandragiri hills of Chikmagalur, Karnataka. This was the mark of something legendary. This led to;
- Distinct growing methods
- Coffee picking up Coorg’s economy
The growth of budding and successful coffee plantations led to Levista. One of the leading coffee manufacturers worldwide.
Initially, there was a heavy British influence on the coffee plantation in Coorg in the 19th century with the locals fearing got the local Kodava military. When India gained independence in 1947, the Britishers sold their coffee estates to south Indians and the locals of Coorg.
This marked the start of Coorgs primary resource to build its economy. Local farmers started growing coffee and using authentic methods to make Coorg coffee stand out from the rest.
Levista's journey started 60 years ago in the breathtaking town of Coorg, They followed the traditional methods to make and dry the coffee as the taste of their Coorg blend really is a USP by itself. Fine-tuned over the years, even today Levista's coffee will take you straight back to the roots of Baba Budans magical beans!
The Nurtured Growth
There is a local saying in Coorg which articulates that the planters of Coorg coffee not only put their hard work but dedicate their entire life to growing the perfect crops and putting all their love and affection and treating the crop like their own children.
The conditions required to achieve the perfect crop are:
- The perfect altitude to grow coffee can range between 3300 ft and 4900 ft above sea level for Arabica and between 1600ft and 3300ft for Robusta.
- 60-80 inches of rainfall is required for the growth of Robusta and sunny weather for the growth of Arabica.
- The ideal temperature for the growth of coffee is 23 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees Celsius.
This makes for a perfect Coorg coffee crop and ensures the authenticity of an Ideal Coorg crop. They also have to go through the aforementioned steps to create the most authentic and original Coorg coffee beans that retain the taste specific only to Coorg. The two main strains grown here are Arabica and Robusta.
Levista Coffee is no different, The preferred strain for the organization is the Arabica strain as that perfectly captures the essence and taste of the Coorg coffee beans.
The Estate Craze
The first coffee estate was established in Coorg by an Englishman who went by the name of John Fowler, The smell and aroma this estate gave off were truly sensational.
So much so that his neighbors and everyone around Coorg started coffee plantations when John Fowler subtly pointed out the magic of growing coffee in Coorg.
Initially, the primary cultivators were Britishers when they realized the potential of the plant both financially and by taste. This was later on carried out by the locals of Coorg making it the primary resource for the economy of Coorg.
The Government Crackdown
Until the Indian independence, the rules and restrictions to grow and trade coffee were relaxed with little to no restrictions whatsoever insinuating that coffee could be exported freely with no trade restrictions.
However, when the government decided to be more involved in the process, growers found it hard to trade and advertise their harvest freely. With some hand-selected businesses making it out of the harsh conditions of the economy, We still have access to Coorg’s magical coffee blends.
Levista is one of the top brands that cultivate authentic coffee that is loved nationwide today!
Levista’s Journey
Levistas plantation started nearly 60 years ago as an initiative started by SNL. This generational plantation helped show our nation the magical taste of Coorg coffee. The objective of Levista was to bring the taste of Coorg to India.
With the rich history attached to Coorgs plantations it is safe to say that this stemmed the curiosity to know more about the distinct taste of Coorg and taste it right out of the expertise of Levista with 6 decades of experience and aromatic coffee loved by India!
Conclusion
Levistas love language has always been providing the best coffees nationwide as our coffee roasts are guaranteed to put a smile on your face and glide through your day. We also pride ourselves in being conversation starters because the aroma of a cup of levista coffee is bound to get a conversation started.
Everybody has a favourite activity with coffee, Be it a day starter, a conversation starter or even a preworkout. So with that we ask you, What's your favourite activity with coffee? Comment down below!
Think Coffee, Sip Levista.
What is the culture of Coorg?
Coorg, located in Karnataka, India, has a rich cultural heritage with a close-knit community and strong family values. The local language, Kodava, is integral to their identity. Coorgis are known for their agricultural skills, hunting expertise, and religious beliefs in Hinduism and Buddhism. Vibrant festivals and special occasions bring the community together to celebrate their heritage.
Who introduced coffee in Karnataka?
Coffee was introduced to Karnataka, India, in the early 1600s by the British and the Baba Budan pilgrims.
Why is Coorg so famous?
Coorg, located in Karnataka, India, is famous for its scenic beauty, rich cultural heritage, and strong connection to the land. It is known for its coffee plantations, spices, and fruits. Coorg is also renowned for its warm hospitality, close-knit community, and unique customs and traditions. Its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere attract many tourists each year.
How is Coorg coffee made?
Coorg coffee is made by hand-picking the ripe coffee cherries and sorting them. The cherries are then processed using either the wet or dry method, before being sun-dried and roasted to produce the final product. This combination of traditional and modern techniques produce high-quality, flavourful coffee.
What is the old name of Coorg?
Coorg was previously known as "Kodagu," and it is still referred to by this name by many of the local people. The name "Coorg" is thought to be derived from "Kodagu," and both names are used interchangeably to refer to the district located in the state of Karnataka in southwestern India.
